Perspective – December 20, 2019

Persppective OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU

WWW.OKFARMBUREAU.ORG

Dec. 20, 2019

Tulsa Farm Show attendees connect with OKFB

Above: As one of the country’s premier agricultural events, attendees of the Tulsa Farm Show, like Oklahoma Farm Bureau member Joe Parker (center), had the opportunity to learn more about Oklahoma Farm Bureau including upcoming events within the organization and services available to members Dec. 12-14.

Above: A young Tulsa Farm Show attendee tries out a pedal cart that is part of the OKFB Safety Department DUI Prevention Program. To learn how you can have the OKFB Safety Department attend your next school or community event, visit okfarmbureau.org/safety.

WLC donates to Ronald McDonald House this holiday season

Above: WLC Chair Mignon Bolay (center) and WLC member Cindy Schoenecke (right), present Charlene Fabian (left) of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa, with snacks and blankets.

Above: WLC member Karen Dodson and Senior Director of Women’s Leadership Committee Marcia Irvin, meet with Melissa Weems of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma City. Food donations were collected during the organization’s annual meeting in November while blankets were made during the WLC Fall Conference.

OKFB to host campaign management seminar Feb. 6-7 in Oklahoma City klahoma Farm Bureau will host a campaign management seminar on Feb. 6-7 at the organization’s headquarters in Oklahoma City for individuals considering running for public office. Candidates at local and state levels are encouraged to attend the two-day conference.

From social media messaging and time management to fundraising and finance laws, seminar attendees will learn the keys to election success from grassroots campaign experts.

The seminar registration fee is $200 for

OKFB members and $250 for non-OKFB members. Fee includes one breakfast, two lunches and a reception. Lodging is not included. Please make checks payable to Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

The registration form must be completed and mailed along with payment to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Public Policy Division, 2501 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 no later than Jan. 24, 2020.

For more information, contact OKFB Senior Director of Public Policy Steve Thompson at 405-523-2300.

Texas County member honored for conservation education efforts

Above: Texas County Farm Bureau member Jerod McDaniel was honored Dec. 5 with the Water for 2060 Excellence Award by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The Panhandle farmer earned the award for his work with low population corn and conservation education on social media.

Calendar

AFBF Convention Jan. 17-22 • Austin, Texas Contact: Melisa Neal 405-523-2300

YF&R Legislative Day Feb. 17 • Oklahoma City Contact: Zac Swartz 405-523-2300

State Leadership Conference Feb. 17-18 • Oklahoma City Contact: Emmy Karns 405-523-2300

Farm Bureau Week Feb. 17-21 Contact: Marcia Irvin 405-523-2300

AFBF, NFU and Farm Credit partner to better help farmers manage stress ecognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help.

Based on the farm stress program Michigan State University Extension developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, this combination of online and in-person training is designed specifically for individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers. It provides participants the skills to understand the sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress and suicide, identify effective communication strategies, reduce stigma related to mental health concerns and connect farmers and ranchers with appropriate other resources.

In a national Morning Consult poll commissioned by AFBF in April 2019, a strong majority of farmers and farmworkers said financial issues (91%), farm or business problems (88%) and fear of losing the farm (87%) impact the mental health of farmers and ranchers, and nearly half of rural adults (48%) said they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago.

“Many of us think of farms as idyllic,” said Jeff Dwyer, director of MSU Extension.

“And what is portrayed is ideal, but what is not often shown is how hard farming is on both the body and the mind.”

In response to the many economic and environmental challenges confronting farmers, National Farmers Union compiled financial, legal and mental health resources at its online Farm Crisis Center. The organization’s partnership with Farm Bureau and Farm Credit will build on that project by further increasing farmers’ access to the information and services they need to get through financial and personal emergencies. Resources may also be accessed on MSU Extension’s “Managing Farm Stress” website.

The trainings, which will begin in the coming weeks, are funded by a grant from Farm Credit.

Pontotoc County WLC gives back to their community with donations

Above: Pontotoc County Women’s Leadership Committee members (left to right) Freda Pierce, Roberta Morrow, Jan Long, Joy Casady, Susie Overturf and Helen Denslow (not pictured) gathered stuffed animals to present to children affected by dire situations in the area.

Above: Ada first responders (left to right) Deputy Fire Chief Joe Allen, Police Chief Carl Allen and Fire Chief Rob Johnson accept the stuffed animal donations on behalf of all Ada first responders. The stuffed animals will be given to children they encounter while on duty.

Buchanan honored for advocacy of water policy during OK Governor’s Water Conference

Above: Gov. Kevin Stitt presents Jackson County Farm Bureau member Tom Buchanan with the Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award Dec. 4 in Midwest City.

ackson County Farm Bureau member and past Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan was honored with the Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award, presented by Gov. Kevin Stitt, during the Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference Dec. 4 in Midwest City. A deserving recipient, Buchanan has served for many years as manager of the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District in southwest Oklahoma and has been a tireless advocate of water policy for farmers and ranchers.

Established to support Oklahoma’s Water for 2060 Act, the awards recognize individuals or entities that have developed outstanding water saving measures. To learn more about this award or about the Water for 2060 Act, visit owrb.ok.gov.

Member Benefits ICEHOLE Oklahoma Farm Bureau members can receive a 10% discount on all ICEHOLE cooler products. The new ICEHOLE coolers are built for the outdoor enthusiast who demands high-performance products and designed with

the environment in mind. Its insulating foam is high-density for superior performance and is ecofriendly. Additionally, all excess materials not used during the manufacturing process are broken down and recycled as well.

Please call (830) 895-4405 to place your orders.

Offer not valid for online purchases.

www.okfarmbureau.org/benefits

Published by Oklahoma Farm Bureau Postmaster: Send address corrections to: Perspective, P.O. B. 53332, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3332

Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Okla. City, OK.

Executive Director Thad Doye 405-523-2438 Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Dustin Mielke 405-530-2640 Director of Media Relations Hannah Davis 405-523-2346 Publications Specialist Brianne Schwabauer 405-523-2325

Merry Christmas From your Oklahoma Farm Bureau Family